Real-time updates from Rock the River in Twin Cities.
9:17pm
Well gang, our journey up the Mississippi is over. It’s been an incredible day and a great way to wrap up a stellar tour. We’ve had a ton of fun covering it live. There will be more videos and photos coming in over the next few days, but for now, that’s it from us here in the Twin Cities!
8:48pm
After a third message from Franklin, Flyleaf is back to the stage, closing out our final show with full intensity and passion. They’ve been with us throughout the entire tour and it’s been a blast to see how the crowds in each city have responded to them. What a fantastic group! We’re in the home stretch here, almost at the end of the line.
7:13pm
Franklin came out after Lecrae and told the story of the prodigal son, telling the crowd that they need to come home to their Father. Kirk Franklin and his crew are now out, bringing their signature sound and energy to the masses. Their love of Christ flows through everything they do, from the funky breakdown to the headbob-inducing beats. He encouraged everyone across the Island to dance together as one big family.
Another guy who’s all about family is Sonny Sandoval from P.O.D. Sonny flew out to Minneapolis just to check out Rock The River and support his friends on the tour. Check out what he had to share with us earlier today:
5:30pm
After Franklin spoke, Superchick got the crowd rocking again. They helped us kick off Rock The River in Baton Rouge and now they’re here in the Twin Cities, bringing it to a close. With an upbeat message and positive outlook on life, they’re definitely an encouragement to everyone around them.
Lecrae is currently on-stage, challenging every person here to not waste his or her life. His passion for Jesus and living a Christ-centered life is apparent in every song he performs.
4:10pm
DecembeRadio brought their funky vintage stylings to the stage, busting out rock song after rock song. The crowd loved it, jamming out with them across Harriet Island. Franklin followed them, bringing his first message of the day. The good news that he shared is why we’re here…it’s the whole reason behind this tour. It’s a message that his father Billy started about 60 years ago:
Quiet has overtaken the field, as counselors meet and pray with new believers. It’s a beautiful sight and one that never gets old.
2:50pm
The final show of the tour is off! We raced out of the gates, thanks to emcees Matt Pitt and Canton Jones. They led the massive crowd in a dance through the ages, from the Twist to YMCA, from the Tootsie Roll to the Stanky Leg. After everyone was hyped up, FLAME came out and brought his high-energy hip-hop to the stage. The sky is sprinkling just a bit here and there, but the sun is shining bright and this is a killer way to start out the day.
Sunday Update – 10:21am
We’re here on the ground in Minneapolis, getting set up at the venue on Harriet Island. The show is a few hours away still, but the technical crews are working out the kinks, testing equipment and running through sound checks. The weather is absolutely beautiful. Last night was a downpour, but the rain has moved out and the sky looks incredible. This is going to be a fantastic venue for the final show of the tour.
Whilst we wait for the concert to start, here’s our friend Allee with some fun facts about the Twin Cities.
Friday Update
It’s hard to believe, but the end of Rock The River 2009 is almost here. We’ve had a blast traveling up the Mississippi, from Baton Rouge to St. Louis, through Quad Cities and now up to Minneapolis/St. Paul. The music has been awesome and Franklin’s messages of God’s love for us have been phenomenal. It’s a shame that the fun has to come to an end.
Bu there’s not much time for looking back and getting nostalgic, at least not quite yet. We’ve got one more show to put on this Sunday. This one is going to be a doozy. The line-up for Twin Cities is ridiculous: Flyleaf, Superchick, Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, DecembeRadio, Canton Jones, and Flame!
You heard the girl…come on out! Bring your friends and your friends’ friends. Shoot, bring your enemies and turn them into friends. This is one show you don’t want to miss.
Finally, are you part of the Rock The River party across the web? No? Join the fun! Keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and MySpace. See you on Sunday!
